The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has selected a Masdar-led consortium to construct the 800MW third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park.
The consortium, which also includes Spanish firms Fotowatio Renewable Ventures and Gransolar Group, bid a levelised cost of energy of 2.99 US cents per kilowatt hour.
DEWA received 95 expressions of interest for the project in response to a tender request last year.
The 13MW first phase of the solar farm started operations in 2013, while the 200MW second phase is due to come online in 2017.
DEWA intends the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum project to have a total capacity of 5GW by 2030, in line with Dubai’s plans to source 75% of its power from clean energy sources by 2050.
The authority said in preparation for the next phase of the project, it will develop shareholder and power-purchase agreements that will be signed in fourth quarter of this year.
United Arab Emirates Minister of State, and Masdar chairman Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: "The selection of the Masdar-led consortium is a testament to the vision of the UAE leadership, the foresight of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the commitment of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to realise ambitious renewable energy projects.
The UAE is using various energy sources like natural gas, nuclear and solar, to deliver both baseload generating capacity and the ability to meet peak energy demand efficiently.
Al Jaber said: "Phase three of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a clear signal that solar power is a reliable and commercially viable technology, and a key part of the UAE’s well-diversified energy strategy."
Image: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority awards 800MW solar park contract to Masdar-led consortium. Photo: Courtesy of
MASDAR.